These guys were the gold standard for jazz vocalists in the US in the '50s. As far as I know they never gained traction in Europe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETo_XFEGl24&feature=related
Today, the 22nd version of the group still performs.
They left an imprint on the US jazz scene that is hard to imagine.
A John Simons Fave !
Last edited by Sammy Ambrose (2012-06-01 11:22:07)
The best selling band on Les Koenig's labels in the 50s, beating Chet Baker and other modern jazz practitioners was The Fire House Five shortened to FH5 by their fans and now sadly forgotten:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFpI97C3as0
If you want to experience real effervescent two beat trad jazz that is perfect for evoking a party atmosphere, you can go no wrong with flipping the fedora and putting on any of the FHF albums.
The Mastersounds, made up of the Montgomery brothers, a more hard-bop version of the MJQ and I actually prefer them to the MJQ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHb7PJypNVA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0PlY_XUYXU
Liking !
Thanks -
I've loved the Four Freshmen for a long time . My head has always been filled with harmonies , collecting doo-wop and vocal groups has been a lifetime pursuit.
I think I've got a few vinyl spares of the 'trombones' 'trumpets' & 'Voices In Latin' if anyone would like them. Gratis of course.
Last edited by Richard Bergman (2012-06-08 09:22:22)
Can't listen right now, but a little reminder to myself that I wanted to check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbguvo_N96Y&feature=related
Any good?
Hmm, I love that streetcorner doowop stuff and I really dig the Righteous Brothers but I can't get crazy for this one...
Would have liked this better without the strings, I guess.
Let's get back to Jazz!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cnn_gosCqg
Ms Merrill with "What's New"
Time to work... almost noon here!
... and Clifford!
Chris McGregor and his Brotherhood of Breath:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCWgviwmBFk
Legendary yes, but few have heard of him.
I had completely overlooked this thread and am indebted to TRS for drawing them to my attention in the first place. Yes, a Johnny Simons favourite, like my beloved Blossom Dearie, and, as mentioned above and elsewhere, a direct influence on The Beach Boys.
There's always something new to discover, rediscover and enjoy on here.
The Four Freshmen are now lined up for a play (when I get a moment to myself), together with Ellyn Rucker, Annie Ross and some newly acquired bebop.
The Four Freshmen: some crossover into Blossom Dearie territory so almost certainly not for the hard boppers on this forum. Anyone open to the West Coast/Herman/Kenton approach to jazz may derive a good deal of pleasure.
Toots Thielemans. I read, in passing, that my beloved Bloss was keen (as she was - very much so - on Jobim, who sent me to dreamland), so I thought I'd give him a try. I liked the piano player best, I have to admit.